Actually the Big Ten was originally too good for the Notre Dame. They didn't want the immigrant Catholic school to dirty up the league.

they declined in 1999.
so in 2009 when the expansion thing got rolling, Paterno was very vocal about ND....he said they had their chance....**** 'em. I agree.

from an article on the subject
"In 1999, both Notre Dame and the Big Ten entered into private negotiations concerning a possible membership that would include Notre Dame. Although the Notre Dame faculty senate endorsed the idea with a near unanimous vote, the ND board of trustees decided against joining the conference and Notre Dame ultimately withdrew from negotiations."

I'd rather my boys in blue lose to OH St than those pillowbitergots.
hey...as long as your gonna get ND slammed down your goddammned throat every ****ing saturday whether they are 0-9 or 9-0....at least the bitches are winning this year. bastards.